While urging the government allow the forthcoming provincial council elections to be held on a level playing field, Gampha District UNP Parliamentarian Karu Jayasuriya reminded his colleagues in the Opposition that they should shed all political differences and make this a starting point to win free and fair election on behalf of the masses.

Issuing a statement, Mr. Jayasuriya said that comprising the Opposition, “..it is our inalienable duty to protect the rights of the masses.”

He Urged the government to at least conduct the proposed provincial council elections according to the guidelines laid down by the Commissioner of Elections and in a free and fair manner, if it was not afraid of the election reflecting the true public opinion. Mr. Jayasuriya said, “A good example (of ………..) is the appointments given to 1395 graduate trainees and 200 Disaster Management Assistants in Batticaloa.  Apart from the above, a recruitment programme has already been started in the hospitals and state banks.  78 minor employee appointments and 70 transfers have been effected in the Kegalle and Ratnapura Districts, after the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council was dissolved.  In this instance the government has completely disregarded the recommendations of the Commissioner of Elections.  It is distressing to note that the government is shamelessly adopting the same course of action which they followed during the past elections.”

If the government is keen to show the world the true picture of the public opinion, they must refrain from using state resources, vehicles, helicopters and official buildings belonging to the government, including the President's House.  For this reason we urge the government beforehand to conduct elections without organizing state functions in the areas where elections are to be held, not to use state media as a mouthpiece for the government, to establish the Elections Commission and Police Commission in accordance with the 17th Amendment and to release the police from the grip of the politicians.  Yet the government follows the same old track.  It is an error if the government thinks that everyone one in the government approves of these actions.  The government must create an environment in which the Commissioner of Elections and the Inspector General of Police, who have won recognition as honest and efficient officers, can perform their duties without political interference.

During the Provincial Council elections the government must allow public officers and police officers to act manner that will not bring their departments into disrepute, otherwise this Provincial Council election too would not be an election held on a level playing field, nor will it reflect genuine public opinion.